Our Hometown Chula Vista / Bonita October 2022

JetCleanUSA is a small, family owned, Chula Vista based business founded by Jorge Medina in 2004. Like so many small upstart businesses, JetCleanUSA was run out of a residential garage with a single customer. Soon after, Kevin Reynolds invested into the business as an equal partner. Within two years the company incorporated and moved into a commercial location. Since 2004, JetCleanUSA has grown into an industry leading pressure washing company in San Diego.

Kevin Reynolds attributes JetCleanUSA’s success to its commitment to customer service, a culture of safety, and adhering to bonafide best business practices. All eleven JetClean employees are highly trained and committed to this company culture. JetClean utilizes outside business coaching to engage in planning, benchmarking, and training at all levels of the organization. Having outside advising allows for the opportunity to be held accountable to company plans, goals, and initiatives.

JetCleanUSA uses state of the art industrial pressure washing equipment which it purchases from its sister company “Hotsy”. In 2008, the officers of JetCleanUSA purchased the assets of Hotsy Pressure Washing Equipment and opened Hotsy Pressure Washing Equipment of San Diego. Hotsy Pressure Washing Equipment of San Diego shares the facility with JetCleanUSA and offers sales and service of industrial pressure washing equipment to San Diego County and Baja California. Our parts and service departments offer on site and mobile repair. Hotsy Pressure Washing Equipment of San Diego is the largest service center of its kind in San Diego.

This symbiotic pair of businesses gives JetCleanUSA a unique presence in the industry. “We can honestly say that we not only sell and service pressure washers but also use the equipment we sell”. A powerful selling tool for one company, and on demand equipment and repairs for the other.

ROTARY CLUB OF CHULA VISTA PRESENT CVPD OFFICER ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD

On September 23 rd the Rotary Club of Chula Vista recognized Detective Sam son Leonard of the Chula Vista Police Department with a Above and Beyond award. Detectiv e Leonard was selected by Sergeant Scott Hall, Lieutenant La mar Barrett and approved by Chief Roxana Kennedy to be a Rotary Above & Beyond Award recipient. Detectiv e Leanord has been with the Chula Vista Police Depart ment’s Property Crimes Unit (PCU) for just over a year and has established himself as a strong detective. What sets him apart from other detectives is his ‘out of the box’ thinking when it comes to investigations and how to combat/prevent crime from occurring.

One example is he is the go-to expert involving cata lytic converter thefts. N ot only does he investigate the crimes, but he proactively came up with solutions to combat the crime. Detectiv e Leonard worked alongside California State Senators to author Senate Bill 919 and testified before multiple subcommittees. This sen ate bill would have targeted catalytic converter recyclers who are benefiting from all the thefts. Sadly, this bill did not move forward after several subcommittee votes, but the intentions behind it were great and he was laud

ed by the Senators office for his knowledge and involve ment in the process. In ad dition, he worked with the District Attorney’s Office to establish a protocol where they would prosecute simple possession of catalytic con verters as 496 PC Possession of Stolen Property, a felony.

Detective L eonard also par ticipates in the countywide taskforce called Catalytic Converter Initiative and has partnered with the FBI on several investigations.

Another grea t example of his hard work shows when he worked with the two largest RV resorts in Chula Vista, the KOA and Sun Outdoors RV resort, as both were being riddled with bicycle thefts. Detec tive Leonard worked with both properties to establish better security protocols to aid in the investigations. There has b een little to no thefts at the properties since his involvement. He also worked on a ‘Bait Bike’ proposal for PCU to have an electric bicycle for use in sting type operations. The proposal to purchase is still pending.

Detective L eonard’s for ward thinking not only helps the department, and the officers do their job better, but it also benefits the community. He c ertain ly always tries to go, “Above and Beyond.”

Jorge Medina-Partner, Kevin Marshall-Copy Link President, Kevin Reynolds-Partner

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NEW CAMPAIGN TO REMIND US OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD WASTE RECYCLING.

According to the Environmental Protec tion Agency, landfills are among the na tion’s largest sources of methane, a green house gas far more potent than carbon dioxide , a major c ontributor to climate change and food is the single largest catego ry of material placed in municipal landfills. A United N ations report also f ound that immediate reductions in methane emissions are swiftest chance the planet has at slowing climate change.

We do face an additional challenge, and this is to remind ourselves that separating food waste and other organic waste from the trash should now be the norm and new way of managing our waste in an environ mentally friendly way. The City’s Office of Sust ainabilit y is working hard to remind us of the importance recycling our food waste and other organics with a new outreach campaign called “Feed the Green” which is coming to streetlight banners throughout Chula Vista.

These banners will be prominently fea tured in well-transited throughfares in Chu la Vista like Otay Lakes Road, H Street and Br oadwa y to name a few. They will feature a lovable character depicting a happy animat ed green (waste) cart giving you the thumbs up with a fe w examples of food waste above. This smiling green cart will complement other outreach campaigns with a friendly reminder that we should now place all food waste in our green carts or bins.

Are there other reasons to keep food waste out of our trash? Yes, most people don’t realize how often they waste food and the negative impacts it can have for food secu rity, the environment, and climate change. R educing f ood loss and waste could benefit them, their families, and the world, now and in the future.

Safe and wholesome food that is currently thrown away could help feed hungry people and reduce food insecurity today. Each year, Feeding America and its network of food banks rescues around 3.6 billion pounds of food. This represents only a small percent age of food that could have been donated but ended up in a landf ill. R educing food waste can also save or make money. For farmers, businesses, and organizations, the financial incentives to reduce waste also include tax incentives for donating whole some, unsold food. On average, households c ould sa ve about $370 per person annually. Imagine what a family of four could do with an extra $1,500 each year.

When food is wasted, so too is the land, water, labor, energy and other inputs that are used in producing, processing, trans porting, preparing, storing, and disposing of the disc ar ded food.

For more information about the new food and yard waste program, visit www.chulavis taca.gov/clean or call (619) 691-5122

A Gathering of Nations festival celebrating the history and traditions of indigenous peo ple will be staged at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center Nov. 5. The nearly day-long celebration will welcome indigenous artists and performers from around the world to South Bay San Diego. The festival will also mark the opening of a new exhibition, New World/Old World, by renowned artist Roberto Salas. The f estival and exhibition are free and open to the public.

The festival, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature indigenous craftspeople, storytell ers and performers demonstrating artistic traditions that trace their ancestors and the evolution of all humans to the pres ent day. Performers will include Kumey aay Bird Singers led by Chairman H. Paul Cuero Jr., who is nationally known for his mastery of a cycle of songs named for the Takut. These cultural bird songs, of which there are 300 in the Takut cycle, are a met aphor for life.

Visitors will also meet master woo dcarv er and storyteller Abel Ryan, a memb er of the Laxiboo clan of Metlakatla, a Tsimshian artist from Juneau, Alaska. On st age, there will be presentations by the Ben Hale danc ers. Southwestern College professor David Salomon, Tongva/Gabrielino, will perform traditional flute. F rom Arizona, there will

be Zarco Guerrero, a nationally known sculptor, muralist, storyteller and perfor mance artist. Visitors can also enjoy Aztec dancers and other storytellers throughout the day.

The festival will also feature education al resources and vendors from Kumeyaay College’s Kosay Kumeyaay Market, Blackfeet displays with Chuck Jenson, jewelry and beading with Carmen Guerrero of the Cul tural Coalition and basket weaver Aurelia Ojeda Melendrez from the Kumeyaay tribal community of San Jose de la Zorra, Baja Cal ifornia, Mexico. A urelia is famous for her stunning coiled rattlesnake basket patterns and Kumeyaay basket hats.

Food vendors will include Lucy Hale’s Frybread stand, chefs Ángel & Ángel with MuMa Paxil, Taco El Pintor, The Kitcheni stas of National City, The Empanada Spot and fresh tamales.

The Gathering of Nations festival is coordi nated by the museum’s Indigenous Cultures Educator Heather Gallana, who is currently working toward a master’s degree in muse um studies.

Salas’ Old World/New World exhibition inside the museum seeks to honor the craft and artwork of indigenous people from the traditional Kumeyaay lands. Having grown up in El Paso, attended college in San Diego,

and traveled the world, Salas and his art show us how our ancestral roots and artistic traditions inform our present life in South Bay San Diego. Large-scale artworks in the exhibition challenge the viewer as to their personal relationship and discovery of cul ture, as well as how their actions affect other cultures. The exhibit will continue through Dec.3.

Salas is also currently creating two new site-specific artworks for the Chula Vista Marina redevelopment project. In addition, Salas enjoys delivering art supplies and mak ing art with the Pa-Ipai people near Ensena da.

The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center is working with Kumeyaay College to cre ate a permanent exhibition in the museum about Kumeyaay past and present in the Sweetwater Valley. This exhibit would add an auditory element of the Kumeyaay lan guage to objects. The language would b e added by members of Kumeyaay College and the exhibition will be designed and imple mented by the college. The museum, a t 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, is located in the Sweetwater River Valley near ancient Kumeyaay village sites.

For more information about these and other events, please find the museum at on line at Bonitahistoricalsociety.org.

SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL VEX ROBOTICS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

The nationally recognized Sweetwater Union High School District VEX Robotics League is looking for volunteers be Judges and Inspectors at the Robotics events held throughout the year.

“We need qualified Judges to decide the awards at each event that earn the teams a spot to the State Championships held each year at Montgomery High school, and then on to the World Championships each year” stated Joe Amaro. The only qualifications you need is to be able to talk with the students and ask them questions, then decide which ones deserve each award.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or engineer. You’ll be given everything needed to make those decisions.

The goal is to create a pool of volunteers that can give their time at two or four events during the season, hoping to have enough judges so that it doesn’t burn anyone. We currently have twelve events that need judges.

The next dates for our “Meet and Greet” is Saturday morning November 12th, 9:00am at Montgomery High School. Address is 3250 Palm Avenue, San Diego 92154.

To view exciting SUHSD Vex Robotic videos, click on the following links: https://youtu.be/eG8BBLZ2n7Q and https:// youtu.be/wIZgvVDZc2Y

If you are interested in volunteering please contact any of the following;

Joe Amaro at Joseph. Amaro@sweetwaterschools.org, or Travis Bateman, Judge Advisor @ t.bateman007@gmail.

com or Michala Amaro at michala. amaro619@ gmail.com.

You will have fun, and you will be encouraged and motivated seeing

what our students are doing. Your time will be change students’ lives “One Robot at a Time.”

INNOVATION STARTS HERE AT CVESD.

At the Chula Vista Elementary School District, we know that learning doesn’t just take place in the traditional classroom. It occurs in places such as school makerspaces, music and theater rooms, athletic fields and dance rooms, innovation stations, and the homes of our students.

Learn more at cvesd.org

CHULA VISTA, WE’VE GOT IT ALL

Ari Pintado & Michael Monaco

I wasn’t born in Chula Vista, but as a young adult I was destined to live here. Why do I say that?

Well, that’s a story for another day. I will say this, I stumbled upon Chula Vista in 1991 and realized then something was special about this city. Thirteen years later our family moved to Chula Vista, and it was a natural fit. Soon I was making new friends at Eastlake Church, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary.

Through those friendships I learned so much about Chula Vista, and the more I learned the more

my love for Chula Vista grew.

Here are just a few reasons that Chula Vista stands out. To the best of my knowledge, no single city in the state of California offers all the following features within its city limits. A 20,500 seat amphi theater, Olympic training center, world class water park, a bay to the west and a lake to the east, named the safest city in California with a population over 200,000 protected by the smallest staffed police de partment per capita, Chula Vista Elementary School District, the largest elementary school district in California, Sweetwater Union High School Dis

trict, known for its high academic performance and national and international ranked robotic teams, home to the 2009 Little League World Series

Champions, a zoo-aquarium, and if that’s not enough, we’re at the beginning stages of building a $1.2

Billion bayfront project. This 500-acre project will feature a major resort, convention center, and residential living.

Welcome to Chula Vista, we’ve got it all!

CHULA VISTA ELITE ATHLETE TRAINING CENTER

Back in the mid 80s the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee requested cities to bid to be able to raise funds and design and build a training facility that would be in warm-weather, sea-level and have access to a lake. The San Diego Na tional Sports Training Foundation won that bid and raised enough funds to start the first phase of development along with being donated 150 acres in eastern Chula Vista by the Eastlake Company. Soon after the facility was then gifted to the U.S. Olympics Committee to be run and operated.

Being that the facility was built from the ground up spe cifically to be a training center makes it the first of its kind. Ground was broken in 1990 and in June 1995 The Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center opened. It has since then become the training place for thousands of Olymians, Paralympions, Olympic and Paralympic potentials and community members.

In 2017 the U.S. Olympic Committee transferred the ownership of the facility back to the City of Chula Vista and is now run by Elite Athlete Services. There are currently only 19 Olympic and Paralympic training facilities around the U.S. and Chula Vista is home to one of them.

The CVEATC has four main programs for participants. Residents train at the facility year-round and must meet certain standards set by the center. Short term participants usually stay about three months and are there for specific

training purposes. Development programs are available to the public and are used to better craft the skills of youth athletes. The center o ffers support to athletes including housing, dining, training facilities, local transportation, recreational facilities, athlete services and professional development programs.The facility is also equipped to host several types of events.

The facility is home to several sports these include soccer, rugby, rowing, canoe, kayak, archery, beach volleyball, beach soccer, cycling bmx, field hockey, lacrosse, football, flag football, boxing, tennis, softball, baseball, swimming, triathlon, water polo, flying disc and track and field disciplines like 110m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, high jump, pole vault, discus, javelin, shot put, and hammer throw.

OnStage Playhouse has been producing live theatre in the South Bay Community since 1986. We opened our current location at 291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, in 1999.

Proud to be the only “live” theatrical stage in the South Bay, we operate an intimate, 70-seat theatre, year-round, producing 6 regular season shows, numerous short-run productions, community resource drives, and FREE educational events including the annual Arts in the Park event.

Our theatre is recognized as a significant cultural arts con tributor to the community, and consistently impresses its audiences, critics, and judges with continuing high-quality productions. Throughout its history, OnStage has received more than its share of County-wide technical, acting, direc tion, and production awards.

Our Mission is to present high-quality theatrical produc tions in a broad range of styles while serving as a communi ty cultural resource and providing opportunities for educa tion, personal growth, and achievement in an atmosphere of mutual respect, support, and enjoyment.

The operation of the Playhouse is guided by a Board of Directors in conjunction with an Artistic Director and crew at the helm of all stage production including many students and volunteers.

We are passionate about our community and our commitment to diversity, from our volunteers to our employees to our casting. We believe that what’s on our stage should reflect the world around us and encourage diverse representation. We aim to showcase plays that relate to issues in our community. By hosting regular “Community Conversation” events, audiences have a chance to remain after performances to ask and discuss the topics covered in the play with the director, cast, and crew.

SESAME STREET WATER PARK

Chula Vista is home to many exciting things. We have our own amphitheater, olympic training center, hiking trails and an entire theme park!

On the edge of Main St. sits Sesame Place. Mod eled after the popular children’s show “Sesame Street” this theme park offers fun attractions, shows, parades, character interactions and an entire water park.

There is no shortage of fun rides suitable for children of almost all ages. Families can enjoy soaring the sky in swings on Abby’s Flight, climb the highest tower on the Cookie Climb, fly around in one of Elmo’s rocket ships on Elmo’s Rockin Rockets and much more!

If the family is looking to have fun in the sun while the heat still sticks around there are a vari ety of water slides available for the kiddos. Kids can catch a wave at Big Bird’s Beach wave pool, enjoy a water adventure at Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides or hangout on a multi-level attraction at The Count’s Splash Castle.

Sesame Place stands out amongst other theme parks due to their Certified Autism Center. Ac cording to Sesame Place their team members are specially trained with requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all chil dren, including those with special needs.

Some topics covered in their training include sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, program development, social skills, communica tion, environment, and emotional awareness.

Some accommodations that are offered are quiet rooms, low sensory areas, noise-canceling headphones, low sensory parade viewing and a meet and greet with the Sesame Street character named Julia who has autism.

To celebrate the spooky Halloween season Sesame Place is hosting The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular. This celebration runs from Sept.

17 to Oct. 30 and allows children to come to the park in costume and spend a not too spooky time trick-or-treating around the park. The celebra tion also includes Halloween-themed shows, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, an interactive

it zoo and aquarium located in Chula Vista that is focused on conserving the coastal environment. Founded originally as Chula Vista Nature Inter pretive Center in 1987 the discovery center has spent the past 30 years educating the community on ways to help the environment around them.

They offer several experiences including private wildlife tours, daily animal presentations, nature walks and animal meet and greets. Along with these offerings the discovery center also hosts a monthly “Team Up to Clean Up”. Volunteers team up with the goal to remove litter from parks and waterways. This program is also part of their “Trail to Bay” challenge. This program challenges people to attend three hikes and one clean up. Groups that are able to complete this challenge get a family four pack valued at $72 and a sustain ability hiking backpack.

Through hosting several field trips, education programs, scout programs and outreaches the cen ter has reached and educated over 80,000 people a year.

Not only does the discovery center offer a great time for families but also the environment. Liv ing Coast supports zero-waste efforts and does so by promoting composting. They believe that no matter what living situation you may be in, there are ways to still participate in composting. They offer weekly compost workshops to help educate the public.

Spot-The-Ghost Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities.

One of the beauties of Chula Vista is the variety of gems scattered throughout the city. What is even better is when one of these gems is geared towards making the place we live even better.

The Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprof

Along with all of these amazing programs and activities one of the center’s main focuses is help ing animals that share our coastal environment. Some of these programs include the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail Propagation and Reintroduction Program and the Western Burrowing Owl Re covery Program. Each one serves the purpose of helping and rehabilitating endangered species and animals who depend on us for help.

FEATURE

STATE FUNDING LAUNCHES FIRST PHASE OF CHULA VISTA UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY & PROGRAMS

Chula Vista, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2022) – The City of Chula Vista is preparing to break ground on an $89 million, 168,000-square-foot Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library project, which will be home to San Diego State University’s (SDSU) new, state-of-the art Television, Film and New Media Studios. The partnership will educate a new gener ation of aspiring film students from Chula Vista, southern California, and the world – realizing the shared vision of developing a multi-institutional university and innovation district in Chula Vista.

The cutting-edge facility will include the City’s first new library built since 1995, and it will fulfill a 19-year deficit of library space, as well as additional space that will be needed to accommodate pop ulation growth. The multi-use library will serve a larger vision of public, education and industry use. The building will be the first of its kind in San Diego County and is planned to include new soundstages, a digital screening theater and addi tional amenities to support cinematic innovation and excellence.

“We are grateful to Senator pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assemblymember David Alvarez for securing the funding to help launch the Chula Vista university and library development,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “After decades of planning, we are ready to break ground with an SDSU program that will advance our vision for a 21st century university in the South Bay.”

The new Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library will be located at 1775 Millenia Avenue, among the burgeoning master-planned community of Millenia in eastern Chula Vista. The expansion will result in the creation of much-needed and long-anticipated higher education access in a region that is currently without a prominent four-year, research-centered institution.

The $89 million project budget will be funded with $30 million in state funding and $59 million from the City of Chula Vista. Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins secured $5 million in state funding for the acquisition and entitlement of the project site. Assemblymember David Alvarez secured an additional $25 million in state funding.

“Libraries open up a pathway to a lifetime love of reading and learning. Chula Vista has not had a new library constructed since 1995, so it is exciting to see the vision of that project expanded to include this joint venture between the City and our educational partners, which will also expand additional higher education opportunities in the South Bay region,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego).

“Thanks to California’s strong economy and tax revenues, the Legislature was able to make historic investments in educationally-related facilities, including $58 million for libraries in the San Diego region, in this year’s budget.”

“I am thrilled to provide $25 million in state funding for the development of a new library for Chula Vista along with the Television, Film and New Media Studios to be utilized by San Diego State University,” said Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego). “This is the first step toward making the Chula Vista University project a reality.”

The SDSU Television, Film and New Media Studios will include a 50,000-square-foot film and television teaching facility, containing sound stages, modern editing and mixing suites, new classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative and faculty space. All will be equipped with the latest film and television technology.

“We are delighted to be part of this collaboration and to use SDSU’s renowned film and television program as the foundation of our formal presence in this vibrant South Bay neighborhood,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “This builds on our 30-year commitment to the South Bay community and our longstanding partnership with the Sweetwater Union High School District. I am truly excited by what this will mean for our students, for our future, and for the economic impact this new film industry will drive in Chula Vista.”

SDSU’s new expanded location will advance the art of independent filmmaking and will become the premiere academic destination for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. The facility also will be available for use by Southwestern College and industry partners.

“Southwestern College’s Film, Television & Media Arts program graduates dozens of talented students each year,” said Superintendent/ President Dr. Mark Sanchez. “This project gives students a clear pathway to San Diego State University’s program in the community they live in. It will be transformative and a catalyst to turn what is currently a university desert into a thriving ecosystem of higher education to address inequities and generational poverty in our community.”

SDSU faculty and staff at the site will elevate the academic and hands-on experiences of students to an unprecedented level. With a unique focus on independent filmmaking, the SDSU Television, Film and New Media Studios is designed to prepare students in all aspects of film and television production, including writing, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, special effects, and more – to include the business aspects of independent filmmaking, such as finance, distribution and marketing.

SDSU has been a leader in film and television education for over 50 years, and has trained and graduated alumni who are now internationally known filmmakers and award-winning Hollywood executives, such as executive producer and president of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy, Coco producer Darla Anderson and director Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for the Marvel Studios film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

San Diego County historically is considered one of the top three filming regions in California but has been without access to adequate production facilities. Chula Vista’s Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library will provide advanced facilities to revolutionize the film and digital entertainment industries. The new expansion also will dramatically increase placement opportunities for SDSU students entering the film and television production industry by providing them with opportunities to graduate

with an already accomplished film portfolio. Leaders plan to break ground on the Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library site in 2023 and complete by 2025.

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Editors’ Note: Hi-res renderings of the Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library are available at chulavistaca.gov/university.

About Chula Vista

The City of Chula Vista is the second-largest city in San Diego County with a population of 277,220. Chula Vista boasts more than 50 square miles of coastal landscape, rolling hills, quality parks, and miles of trails. The City is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country. Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, innovative startups, corporations, a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, and historic downtown contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses. A promising future includes developing the 535acre Chula Vista Bayfront, planning for a new university on 400 acres and implementing Smart City technology citywide. Find us on @thinkchulavista or www.chulavistaca.gov

About San Diego State University San Di ego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experi ences for its more than 36,000 students. SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 96 areas, master’s degrees in 84 fields and doctorates in 23 areas, with additional certificates and programs at regional microsites. SDSU ranks as the number 1 California State University in federal research support, as one of the top public research uni versities in California. In addition to academic offerings at SDSU, SDSU Imperial Valley and SDSU Georgia, SDSU Global Campus offers online training, certificates and degrees in areas of study designed to meet the needs of students everywhere. Students participate in transfor mational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. SDSU is committed to inclusive excellence and is known for its efforts in advancing diversity and inclusion. SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ pro grams and support of LGBTQA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Pro gram. More than 50% of SDSU’s undergraduate and graduate students are students of color. The university resides on Kumeyaay land and was most recently recognized as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Insti tution (AANAPISI). SDSU is also a long-stand ing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The university’s rich campus life and location offers opportunities for students to lead and engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with SDSU’s more than 491,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San Diego and U.S.Mexico region.

Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assemblymember David Alvarez Secure $30 million for Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library

FEATURE STORY FALL IS IN THE AIR IN DOWNTOWN CHULA VISTA

2nd Annual Dia de los Muertos

Prepare for a night full of cel ebration, joy and remembrance of those who have passed in this year’s 2nd Annual Día De Los Muertos event from 3:00pm8:00pm on Saturday, October 29th. One of the most wellknown events in the Mexican culture, Día De Los Muertos is a day dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed on to the afterlife and celebrate the life they lived. Throughout the night of this free event, live mu sic will fill the streets of Down town Chula Vista along with a community altar, an altar building competition, a catrin/ catrina ensemble contest, in credible performances, deli cious bites, a special screening of Pixar’s Coco beginning at 7:30pm, and more.

This year’s freecelebration includes an altar building contest with three different categories (Best Altar Created by School/Students, Best Altar Created by General Public & Best Overall Altar) with a $500 cash prize for each category and a $1,000 cash prize for the overall. More information on the contest can be found here. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere by dressing up in a Catrín attire or putting a new twist on the tradition al look as well and take pic tures with the several photo spots scattered around Third Avenue. Guests are also en couraged to dress up in Catrín attire or put their own twist on the traditional look, and can enter into the ensemble competition. Categories in clude 12 & Under ($150 cash prize), Best Catrin ($250 cash prize), Best Catrina ($250 cash prize) & Best Couple ($500 cash prize).

Following with the event’s traditions, Downtown Chula Vista is also having a com munity altar for attendees to bring photos of loved ones who have passed and place them on the community altar located at the corner Third and Davidson. A holiday meant to bring the communi ty together through love, this event is not only reminiscing those who aren’t with us any more but celebrating the life that they lived.

The celebration will also indulge the entire family with themed kids crafts like sugar skull decorating, live music along Third Avenue from 8

different musical performers, delicious food, vendors offering everything you need to build your own altar at home, themed photo opps throughout Memo rial Park and a special screen ing of Pixar’s COCO starting at 7:30pm!

Give Us All the Fall Flavors

Grindhouse is embracing the season with a delicious lineup of fall coffee flavors.

Start your morning off with a Salted Caramel Cold Brew for that extra energy boost for

the day along with the Bacon Egg Cheddar Breakfast Sand wich which has scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and chipo tle ranch served between a homemade English Muffin. If you are looking for some thing a little more classic, try either a Pumpkin Spice Latte or a Pumpkin Dirty Chai to really settle you into the cozy mood.

Fall also entails another great holiday, Thanksgiving. Start the Thanksgiving feast early with one of the savory

danishes at Mmm…Cakes! Embodying the holiday in one pastry, the Thanksgiving Danish is made with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gra vy and cranberry sauce. An other ode to a holiday dish, the Chicken Pot Pie Danish is stuffed with savory chick en, mushroom gravy, peas, carrots and celery, perfect for when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned comfort food.

Enjoy the fall breeze and the autumn leaves in Downtown Chula Vista this season!

STORY

SHARP CHULA VISTA TOWER

After World War 2 Chula Vista’s population grew by the thousands. With the sudden influx of people the Chula Vista community saw the urgency for a hospital. That is when Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center was established.

It began as a 14-bed nursing home located in downtown Chula Vista in the 1940s. Twenty years later it flourished into the Community Hospital of Chula Vista that served families in the South Bay. Although this world for a while soon community leaders realized the population was still growing and expansion was necessary. Soon the new location on Telegraph Canyon Road opened and that is where the Sharp Chula

Vista Medical Center was established and still stands.

For the first time in 40 years a new hospital ade its way into Chula Vista. The Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center has been serving the community for over 70 years and now they were ready to expand into the SouthBay.

Sharp aimed to bring in advanced critical care and high-tech surgical suites to its new hospital tower to better serve the San Diego community.

Some of the new features introduced to the new building included a redesigned main entrance and lobby, quality care in large, private patient rooms,10 high-tech intensive care units, six new

operating rooms, including the South Bay’s first hybrid OR, which will be able to shift quickly from a catheterization procedure to surgery, a unique cafe on the hospital’s top floor to feature calming panoramic views, additional space for support services, a pharmacy and kitchen.

Almost 80 years ago the first Sharp hospital was built to serve the Chula Vista community. Nowit is time for a new generation to rise in the Sharp family with goals to only improve the high quality service that has been provided for decades. This new building stands to welcome more into the Sharp family and create more history.

OTAY WALKING TRAILS

Fresh air and some sunlight is said to be the best medicine for the soul. Lucki ly, Chula Vista has some of the best places to enjoy the outdoors and get in some exercise.

All around the city there are easily accessible trails that help you escape the busyness of the world and brings you closer to nature. Some of these trails include the Otay

Lake Park Loop, Upper Otay Reservoir Trailhead, Otay Valley Regional Park, Lower Otay Reservoir Bike Trail

Trailhead, Centennial Trail, Rock House Trail and many more.

All of these trails have a great variety of difficul ty levels. Some are easier, mostly meant for beginners and people just looking for a nice walk outside. Others are more difficult and create a challenge for more experienced hikers or people

looking for a more intense workout.

One of the easier hikes in the Otay area is the Otay Lake Park Loop. This hike is about 1.5 miles and takes an average of an hour to complete. The trail is mostly flat ground which is best for run ning and walking. The trail is open year-round and is usually not too crowded.

If you are looking for a moderately challeng ing trail then the Upper Otay Reservoir might be a trail for you. This trail is a little over two miles long and takes an average of 45 minutes to complete. Along with hiking this trail is popular for fishing and mountain biking. The trail is more populated and is also pet-friendly.

If you are in the mood for a challenging trail there is the Mother Miguel/ Rock House Trail. This trail resides in the Bonita area and is about 4 miles long and takes an average of 2 hours to complete. This trail is on the harder side due to some rocky walkways and a couple of inclines along the path. This trail is more populated and is popular for hiking, mountain biking and run ning.

These trails along with many others give Chula Vista and Bonita residents the opportunity to soak up some Vitamin D, get in a good workout, have a day out with the family and even take their furry friends on a walk.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS IN CHULA VISTA

One of the best parts about San Diego is the beautiful weather year-round. This leaves resi dents plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. One activity that many people are participating in is bike riding. Luckily for the Chula Vista community there is no shortage of great bike trails.

One of the great bike trails out there is the Greg Cox Bike Park. The park, named after the for mer member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, is the second bike park in the county. It spans over 3.2 acres and includes both begin ner and intermediate bike trails. The park is also equipped with a beginner’s zone, a jump line and

a modular pump track. Which happens to be the largest modular pump track in California.

The first bike park was the Sweetwater Bike Park located in Bonita. This became a great addition to the already popular Sweetwater Re gional Park that is known for its camping, hiking, splash pad, sports and picnic areas. This bike park includes trails for people who are beginners to experts. It also includes four jump lines, a kid’s pump track, a skill zone, two flow trails, a perim eter trail that connects to those different features and an entry plaza.

One of the larger and most popular biking trails is part of the Otay Valley Regional Park. This park

links the South Bay with the Lower Otay Lake Reservoir. The area is filled with playing fields, hiking, biking and horse trails. The park offers 8.3 miles of multi-use trails who many use for biking. The park is also aimed to protect all its surround ing wildlife.

If families are looking for an easier track there is the Back to School Mountain Bike Trail. This trail is part of the Chula Vista Canyon Trail and runs behind Chula Vista Hills Elementary School. The path is a windy trail with small rock sections that are a bit tricky. The trail is known to be on the shorter side but is a great connector to Racetrack and Snake Trail.

“First Date,” a romantic musical comedy about the horrors, humiliations, and occasional happy surprises of blind dates. Opens October 14th through November 6th at Onstage Playhouse, Chula Vista

When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner.

Writer Austin Winsberg, Author of “Gossip Girl” provides this blind-date couple with plenty of flippant repartee. First Date is a madcap mashup of musical styles and lyrics blazing with one-liners

Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs says he is having great fun with this show.

“First Date” excites me just because it is an extremely over-the-top musical comedy and full of different characters coming alive right before your eyes. I’m a massive fan of smaller-sized shows that include an ensemble of actors playing a number of characters. And there are a number of surprises in store for the audience.

I chose this specific comedy for a number of reasons: the show works really well in the intimate layout of OnStage Playhouse, the comedic moments in this show are incredibly fun.

And, I am a huge fan of the idea of love and this show really creates questions that anyone can wonder about whether you’re in a relationship or not.”

Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs

TICKETS: https://app. arts-people.com/index.php?show=138185

FISH FOR LIFE COMES TO SAN DIEGO

FISH FOR LIFE COMES TO SAN DIEGO

By Vince Meehan

By Vince Meehan

Jim Holden is the founder of Fish for Life, a non-profit based here is Southern California. Holden is a life-long fisher man who fished off the shores of New Jersey until he relocated to San Clemente where he now resides. Here in California, Holden had an epiphany about how he was going to spend the rest of his life. He was going to help disabled youngsters have the time of their life on a day fishing trip, and at no cost to the kids. Fish For Life is that foundation, and they now have plans to expend here to San Diego.

Jim Holden is the founder of Fish For Life, a non-profit foundation based here in Southern California. Holden is a life-long fisherman who fished off the shores of New Jersey until he relocated to San Clemente where he now resides. Here in California, Holden had an epiphany about how he was going to spend the rest of his life. He was going to help disabled youngsters have the time of their life on a day fishing trip, and at no cost to the kids. Fish For Life is that foundation, and they now have plans to expend here to San Diego.

“In 2009 I was just at that time of life where I was looking for a calling – a way to serve – and at that time I was taking a good friend of mine’s son out to lunch about every two months,” recalled Holden. “His name is Jeffery and he’s a box boy, so I’d pick him up and we’d go across the street and have lunch at McDonald’s and just talk about life. And in those conversations, we’d certainly talk about fishing. And one time after lunch, I asked Jeffery, ‘Hey, let’s go do something, what would you like to do?’ And he just lit up and said, ‘I’d love to go fishing!’ And that was the inception of Fish For Life. After Lunch, I dropped him off at one point I had to pull over because I was just overwhelmed with the clarity of the calling to take a whole boatload of kids out. I then went and spoke to the local president of United Cerebral Palsy and explained my vision, and they loved it! I then went to the Dana Wharf and explained my vision to Don Hanson who is the founder of The Dana Wharf, and they were all in as well! So our first events have been at Dana Point.”

“In 2009 I was just at that time of life where I was look ing for a calling – a way to serve – and at that time I was taking a good friend of mine’s son out to lunch about every two months,” recalled Holden. “His name is Jeffery and he’s a box boy, so I’d pick him up and we’d go across the street and have lunch at McDonald’s and just talk about life. And in those conversations, we’d certainly talk about fishing. And one time after lunch, I asked Jeffery, ‘Hey, let’s go do something, what would you like to do?’ And he just lit up and said, ‘I’d love to go fishing!’ And that was the inception of Fish For Life. After our fishing expedition, I dropped him off at his house and drove back to my office. At one point I had to pull over because I was just overwhelmed with the clarity of the calling to take a whole boatload of kids out. I then went and spoke to the local president of United Cerebral Palsy and explained my vision, and they loved it! I then went to the Dana Wharf and explained my vision to Don Hanson who is the founder of The Dana Wharf, and they were all in as well! So our first events have been at Dana Point.”

Holden needed a source for finding guests for his fishing trips, so he chose the United Cerebral Palsy foundation due to their stellar reputation for helping disabled youth. Holden says Fish For Life has sought out kids with Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome and Autism for the free fishing trips he offers. Autism is a condition that stands out to Holden because of the prevalence of cases he sees. The number of kids with autism has dramatically increased over the years since I started. When I first started out, it was like one in every hundred kids were born with autism, and now its one in every 30 something kids. So, we’ve had a lot of autistic kids aboard.”

Holden needed a source for finding guests for his fishing trips, so he chose the United Cerebral Palsy foundation due to their stellar reputation for helping disabled youth. Holden says Fish For Life has sought out kids with cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome and autism for the free fishing trips he offers. Autism is a condition that stands out to Holden because of the prevalence of cases he sees.

“Autism has really – the number of kids with autism has dramatically increased over the years since I started. When I first started out, it was like one in every hundred kids were born with autism, and now its one in every 30 something kids. So we’ve got a lot of autistic kids.”

The program can also accommodate both deaf and blind passengers as well as 4 or 5 wheelchairs. The ages range from 8 to 21 years old and a chaperone is required for each guest on board. A platoon of volunteers is also on hand to help with food, staging and activities.

Holden can accommodate both deaf and blind passen gers as well as 5 or 6 wheelchairs. The ages range from 8 to 21 years old and a chaperone is required for each guest on board. A platoon of volunteers is also on hand to help with food, staging and activities.

The event is fairly simple; Fish for Life takes the guests out on a fishing boat to experience catching a fish. Along the way, there are many fun as well as educational activities to take part in. Holden wants the kids to learn about the ecosystem and marine biology of the ocean as they fish.

The event is fairly simple; Holden takes the guests out on a fishing boat to see what they can catch. Along the way, there are many fun as well as educational activities to take part in. Holden wants the kids to learn about the ecosys tem and marine biology of the ocean as they fish.

“The premise of the program is a fishing trip unlike any program available, it’s about giving the kids a fun time, but also educating them,” Holden noted. “Were loaded with many details to accommodate their specific needs. The program is extremely feature rich, and the benefits are absolutely tremen dous. The trips we go on with the kids – its more so in-shore bottom fishing, you know? And it’s real easy for them.”

“The premise of the program is a fishing trip unlike any program available, it’s about giving the kids a fun time, but also educating them,” Holden noted. “Were loaded with many details to accommodate their specific needs. The program is extremely feature rich, and the benefits are absolutely tremendous. The trips we go on with the kids – its more so in-shore bottom fishing, you know? And it’s real easy for them.”

The first Fish for Life voyage was in May of 2010, and since then, he has been able to expand the program buy opening up other chapters including one here in San Diego. The first San Diego voyage of Fish For Life will take place on Sunday No vember 13 at Fisherman’s Landing aboard the 85 foot Dolphin fishing boat. The space on the boat is limited to the fishermen and their chaperones, but family members and anyone else are invited to attend the opening ceremonies, which take place at 9am on the pier. The boat will be backed into the marina and the ceremonies will take place on the stern of the ship. Dignitaries and athletes will give speeches and one of the kids will sing the national anthem. After that, a red carpet will be rolled down the gangplank and each guest will be introduced over the speakers one-by-one as they board the ship. Then it’s off for sea-faring fun.

Holden’s first voyage of Fish For Life was in May of 2010, and since then, he has been able to expand the program buy opening up other chapters including one here in San Diego. The first San Diego voyage of Fish For Life will take place on Sunday November 13 at Fisherman’s Landing aboard the 85 foot Dolphin fishing boat. The space on the boat is limited to the fishermen and their chaperones, but family members and anyone else are invited to attend the opening ceremonies, which take place at 9am on the pier. The boat will be backed into the marina and the ceremonies will take place on the stern of the ship. Dignitaries and athletes will give speeches and one of the kids will sing the national anthem. After that, a red carpet will be rolled down the gangplank and each guest will be introduced over the speakers one-by-one as they board the ship. Then it’s off for sea-faring fun.

Holden has added on to the activities over the years and his foundation keeps growing as more and more happy kids get to participate. “The model has been developed over the years, we keep adding all kinds of attractions and fun things, added Hold en. “All trips are free; it doesn’t cost anyone, anything. We gather sponsors and we do fundraisers to be able to afford this.”

Holden has added on to the activities over the years and his foundation keeps growing as more and more happy kids get to participate. “The model has been developed over the years, we keep adding all kinds of attractions and fun things, added Holden. “All trips are free; it doesn’t cost anyone, anything. We gather spon sors and we do fundraisers to be able to afford this.”

Fish For Life has now grown to include fishing trips in Long Beach, New Jersey and even Ensenada, Mexico. He is currently working on getting a chapter up and

Fish For Life has now grown to include fishing trips in Long Beach, New Jersey and even Ensenada, Mexico. He is currently working on getting a chapter up and running in Pompano Beach, FL. Holden says the vision of the program is to have it

in multiple ocean bearing ports throughout the country.

running in Pompano Beach, FL. Holden says the vision of the program is to have it in multiple ocean bearing ports throughout the country.

Fish for Life will now be a regular event in San Diego with hopefully three or four events a year currently. Hopefully. that will grow to the six yearly events that Holden has been offering up at Dana Point. For the November event in San Diego, Chula Vista Internet Company Wyyerd.com will be the sponsor ensuring that the San Diego kids get to have the time of their life. Holden will need other sponsors to step up and support future trips, so any companies interested in becoming a sponsor can log on to www.fishforlife.org to apply.

Fish for Life will now be a regular event in San Diego with hopefully three or four events a year currently. Hopefully. that will grow to the six yearly events that Holden has been offering up at Dana Point. For the November event in San Diego, Chula Vista Internet Company Wyyerd.com will be the sponsor ensuring that the San Diego kids get to have the time of their life. Holden will need other sponsors to step up and support future trips, so any companies interested in becoming a sponsor can log on to www.fishforlife.org to apply. This website is also where parents of special needs children ages 8-21 can register for a possible spot on one of the future trips. Holden is hoping that

San Diego will step up to support his unique foundation and make it a permanent fixture here in San Diego.

Fish for life is all about getting the special needs kids out fishing!”

This website is also where parents of disabled youth can register for a possible spot on one of the future trips. Holden is hoping that San Diego will step up to support his unique foundation and make it a permanent fixture here in San Diego.

“Bringing Dignity, Inclusion and New Possibilities to Special Needs Children”

“I’ve been a fisherman all my life! Fish for life is all about getting the special needs kids out fishing!”

At a Glance: Fish For Life www.FishForLife.org Sunday November 13

At a Glance: Fish For Life www.FishForLife.org Sunday, November 13

Fisherman’s Landing, San Diego CA

Opening Ceremonies at 9am

Fisherman’s Landing, San Diego CA Opening Ceremonies at 9am

Republic Services and the City of Chula Vista began the “Food and Yard Waste Recycling Program” on July 1, 2022, for residents living in single-family homes!

The decomposition of organic waste in our landfills generates around 20% of the state’s methane, a super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2)! Together, our community is helping to combat the climate crisis by converting yard waste, food waste and food-soiled paper to compost at the Otay Composting Facility!

Starting in fall 2022, multi-family and commercial customers will be contacted directly and phased in with site visits and outreach by Republic Services and City of Chula Vista staff, throughout the remainder of the 2022 year to begin new organics service.

Republic Services hosts FREE Compost Giveaway events 3 times per year for Chula Vista residents. Join us for our next event on Saturday, November 5, from 8 a.m. – noon at our Otay Landfill (1700 Maxwell Road). Don’t forget to bring proof of residency and your shovels, containers and tarps.

Please call 619.421.9400 or visit RepublicServices.com/ChulaVistaCA for more information on the program and/or kitchen caddy distribution.

CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT UNVEILS $32M SOLAR AND MICROGRID PROJECT WITH ENGIE NORTH AMERICA

Through a partnership with ENGIE Services U.S. (ENGIE), the Chula Vista Elementary School District installed 8.1 megawatts of solar installed across 48 sites and is finalizing the installa tion of a microgrid system. The micro grid is located at the Education Ser vice and Support Center and powered thr ough solar and ba tteries to provide backup emergency power to the Dis trict’s IT department, additional serv ers, and the Child Nutrition freezer. The micr o grid’s battery storage system will also provide electricity during the peak time period of 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. when electric rates are highest, saving the District from having to pull their electricity from SDG&E’s electri cal grid during that time each day.

The solar inst alla tion includes 18,050 panels installed as shade structures at 46 schools, the Transportation Yard, and the Education Service and Support Center. The $32 million project was funded through a G.O. Bond and is expected to save the District more than $70 million in net electricity savings over the next 25 years.

“That is $70 million in savings even after project costs have been paid for,” said Oscar Esquivel, Deputy Superintendent. “By the end of this project, we think we will be able to generate about 90 percent of the Dis trict’s overall energy demands . Tha t is a tremendous amount of energy—and savings for our District. This is a ‘green’ project both environmentally and fiscally.”

“We have a demon strated commitment to str engthening envir on mental sustainability eff or ts that our com munity recognizes,” Es quivel said. “Our team has done an outst and ing job of c ontinually f inding wa ys to in crease energy efficiency and sa vings while doing our part to improve the environment. We want to model for our stu dents the importance of ener g y awareness, conservation, and sus tainability.”

“Communities must b e able to continue critical operations even during a power outage,” said Ste faan Sercu title at ENGIE N or th America “The Chula Vista Elementary School District’s solar and microgrid installa tion will serve the dis trict as a critical resource during episo des of p ower outages.”

About ENGIE North America Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 170,000 employees around the globe, our cus tomers, partners and stakeholders, we are c ommitted to accelerate the tran sition toward a carbon-neutral world, thr ough r educed energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile econom ic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our k ey businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliabil ity, and ultimately, their sustainability goals , as we work to gether to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through energy efficiency projects, pro viding energy supply (including renew ables and natural gas), and the devel opment, construction and operation of

r ene wable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more informa tion on ENGIE North America, please visit our Link edIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https:// www.engie.com.

About the Chula Vista Elementa ry School District:

The Chula Vista Elementary School District is one of the largest traditional kindergartens through grade six dis tricts in the state. It serves a vibrant, div erse c ommunity that features a blend of residential areas, recreational facilities, open space, and light indus try. The district was established in 1892 and each y ear o ver 28,000 students from 49 schools in the Chula Vista area are professionally taught by highly trained and dedicated district teachers. Our district’s shared value is the belief that each child is an individual of great worth entitled to develop to his or her full potential. Please visit the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s web site for more information www.cvesd. o rg.

KICK OFF YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH CHULA VISTA BALLET’S

The Nutcracker

Our very own Chula Vista Ballet (CVB) is at it again! Imagine hand crafted costumes spar kling with Swarovski crystals, Tchaikovsky’s classical music wafting through the air, snow flakes falling, graceful ballerinas floating on their toes, and powerhouse leaps from dance masters. Prepare to be transported into the beloved holiday tale of The Nutcracker! There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than to see this festive favorite live and in per son!

The Nutcracker has become the most fre quently performed of all ballets. It is a tale of a little girl, Clara, who falls asleep under the fam ily’s Christmas tree after a holiday party. She dreams that her nutcracker doll comes to life and takes her to The Land of Sweets where she meets the Sugarplum Fairy, dancing Bonbons, Marzipan, and many more characters.

Joining the CVB company are nearly 100 local ballet students who will play the roles of Party Kids, Petite Snowflakes, and Baby Mice. Returning for the third year is another local favorite - the Southwestern College Concert Choir, under the direction of Tracy Burklund. The choir sings Christmas carols before each performance to set the mood and fill audiences with the joy of the season!

Our local Chula Vista Ballet was co-founded nearly two decades ago by local dance artists, Neisha Hernandez of Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy, and Taeko Nishino, who now com mutes from Japan each year to stage the Nut cracker production. Each year, the company presents the traditional Nutcracker ballet in November followed by another classical bal let in the summer. Some of the community’s favorite ballets have been Snow White, Cin

derella, Swan Lake, and Giselle. These family friendly performances are an ideal way to in troduce young audiences to both classical ballet and classical music, or even to bring more art to your life!

Chula Vista Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be presented Saturday, November 19th, 2022 at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Avenue, San Diego, California 92115. Perfor

mances are at 2pm and 5pm. Tickets are $25 for regular admission, $10 for children age 10 and under, and $10 for Seniors age 65 and up. Tickets can be purchased at Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy, 870 Jetty Lane, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

For more information on The Chula Vista Ballet or tickets to the upcoming Nutcracker, please call 619.585.1133.